Effects of habitat on GPS collar performance: using data screening to reduce location error

摘要: Summary 1 Global positioning system (GPS) technology enables researchers to evaluate wildlife movements, space use and resource selection in detail for extended periods of time. Two types errors, missed location fixes error, are inherent GPS telemetry can bias data sets. Habitat characteristics influence both but no studies have reported how continuous ranges canopy cover terrain simultaneously affect error at different positional dilution precision (PDOP) signal quality levels. This information assist developing a protocol removing large errors from sets. 2 The objectives this study were quantify affected collar performance within mountainous region northern Idaho, USA, data-screening options sets stationary test collars free-ranging black bears Ursus americanus. 3 The fix rate was very high all habitats (mean 99·5%, SE 0·14, range 97·9–100%) not related or obstruction. However, habitat variables strongly influenced PDOP values proportion three-dimensional (3-D) fixes. The 95% circular probable (CEP) equalled 106·8 m locations sites, varied substantially with cover, obstruction categories, ranging 14·3 557·0 m. Location two-dimensional (2-D) more variable higher significantly larger compared 3-D fixes. 4 Data screening increased the accuracy by that associated values. Data-screening focused on 2-D most effective reducing retaining greatest number locations. For bear sets, four resulted reduction 8% 35%. 5 Synthesis applications. We demonstrated be analysed screened based relation eliminate potentially errors. applied individual animals increase analyses.